The Toronto Raptors defensive struggles this season continue to hurt them.
The Raptors had a lack of focus on defense is their latest matchup against the Charolette Hornets. They trailed 35-22 after the first quarter and were down by as many as 20.
Toronto’s comeback attempt fell short as Toronto gave 119 points to the Hornets in the loss.
Toronto’s defense was supposed to be one of their main strengths this season and that has not been the case.
The Raptors (9-13) have allowed opponents to score 110 or more points in half of their games. Toronto has won only four of them.
Scottie Barnes who has been Toronto’s best overall defender this season talked about Toronto’s defensive struggles:
“We’ve just got to play harder (and keep) trusting our rotations. Those are probably the two main things. When we all are on the same page, we do really good things on defence. But when we’re not on the same page and we’re not trusting each other’s rotations, trust that the next guy is going to help, our defence doesn’t do well.”
The Raptors are allowing 116 point per game during their 3 game losing streak. They will take on the New York Knicks on Monday, a team that put up 119 points on them the last time they met on Dec. 1.
If the Raptors are going to turn things around they need to be solid on the defensive end.
The Raptors were expected to struggle offensively this season, but their defensive effort was expected to be good.
Toronto has had great performances this season on the defensive end but they need to put it all together, just like their season
Raptors look to bounce back against Knicks
Toronto is currently on a three-game losing streak and they are in desperate need of a win.
They are in New York to take on the Knicks for the second time this season. The Raptors lost the first matchup 119-106.
Jalen Brunson is questionable to play against the Raptors.
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